News Release

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

LAPD Arrests Officer on Benefits Abuse Investigation

Los Angeles: Investigators assigned to the Los Angeles Police Department's Professional Standards Bureau arrested a 12-year veteran today at the Rampart Community Police Station. The arrest occurred following a 16-month investigation into benefits abuse.

"The taxpayers of Los Angeles provide excellent benefits for police officers,” said Police Chief William Bratton. "We take seriously any misuse of those benefits and pursue criminal charges when appropriate.”

Detective Gil Barrow, 37, was booked for grand theft and perjury after the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office agreed to file charges and issue an arrest warrant. Barrow's bail has been set at $30,000.

Barrow was off work recuperating from an on-duty injury. Supervisors suspected Barrow may have prolonged his off-duty recovery time, so investigators initiated a surveillance. Investigators observed Barrow working side jobs, while he was supposed to be recuperating from an injury that was otherwise preventing him from reporting for duty.

The grand theft charge stems from receiving his salary benefits from worker's compensation under false pretenses. The perjury charge stems from statements Barrow made during a deposition given related to his injuries.

Last year, three LAPD employees were fired for benefits-abuse related charges and one employee was suspended for 15 days. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office filed one criminal case against an employee last year. The case against Barrow is the first filed this year.